Pictus Catfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Orinoco and Amazon river basins (Colombia, Peru). Inhabits fast flowing waters on muddy and sandy bottoms, keeping to the bottom to set nocturnal ambushes.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus). South American catfish (Pimelodidae). Silvery torpedo body, huge mouth, but the distinctive trait is the frightening pair of barbels (whiskers) almost as long as the body itself.

Social Behavior: Predatory gregariousness. Needs to live in small groups (4-5 specimens) otherwise it will become shy and faded, perpetually hidden. At night it swims frantically back and forth the entire length of the tank like a patroller.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Leopard fur. It features a bright silvery/platinum background (Pictus) covered with large round raven black spots, which also extend onto the fins (the dorsal and the forked caudal). Females of the same age are slightly more swollen on the belly.

Aquarium Setup: Tank for large swimmers (minimum 120 cm / 48 inches). Fine sand MANDATORY (coarse stones destroy the barbels), smooth woods to form giant tunnels for daytime rest. Lots of shade and no violent light. Lively water current.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous scavenger with a bottomless stomach. Eats everything: sinking catfish pellets, krill, whole bloodworm cubes, earthworms. Also accepts commercial foods, devouring them at great speed.

Water Quality: Scaleless fish. Totally intolerant to conventional medications (Ich, Copper). The water must be very clean because nitrates rapidly erode and curl its very long sensory barbels.

Compatibility and Tankmates: The "Neon Devourer". The golden rule for the Pictus is: if it fits in its mouth, it will eat it tonight. It will eat Neons, Guppies and Caridinas. Pair ONLY with medium-sized Cichlids or large Characins (Silver dollars, Congo tetras).

Aquarium Reproduction: Totally unknown. In nature, reproduction is linked to the rainy seasons and long-distance river migrations. No hobbyist has ever managed to reproduce it stably in captivity.

Risks and Diseases: Lethal Spines in nets. The pectoral and dorsal spines are lethally pointed and serrated (and equipped with a mild stinging venom that hurts humans). NEVER use a fabric net (it will get hopelessly entangled, forcing you to cut the net and its fins), use rigid containers.